The Path of Madness

chapter 4: New Feelings

The moment Aldric stepped out of the house he had a thumping heart. He still could not believe that he was living in this world, a world that was very different from his home world. In his home world, he was a mercenary in a conflict territory.

In this world now, she was a waitress in a simple pub near the pier. In this world, he had to work hard to survive peacefully now.

He took a deep breath and looked around him. He saw dusty, hollow streets, victorian-era European-style houses, people dressed in the same era style, with men mostly wearing shirts or suits, and the women wore simple dresses with corsages or not, two and four-wheeled trains, smoke billowing from the chimneys - factory chimneys, clean air. He felt like he was getting into a historical film or a classic novel he had read.

He started walking towards the pub where he worked, while trying to adjust to the atmosphere of the new world. He felt like a stranger among passers-by. He heard them speaking in a different dialect and language than he used to hear. He saw them looking at him strangely. Maybe because he was acting weird. She's a little embarrassed.

He tried to distract her by noticing the interesting things around her. He looked at shops selling things like jewelry, clothes, books, toys, musical instruments, and others. He felt interested in the items, but he knew that he did not have much money to buy them. He also knew that the items might not be as good as they seemed. He had heard that many of the items sold in the stores were counterfeit or second-hand goods, made with cheap materials or taken from the rich. Yes it is undeniable the main reason remains that he has no money. He was just a waitress in a pub with a weekly salary of 18 REPLs.

Aldric heard the sound of church bells echoing through the city. He saw churches - magnificent and beautiful churches in the gothic style where the sound came from, with towering towers and windows - windows with symbolic stained glass. He was amazed by the architecture and art of the church. He began to enjoy the calmness as the sound of the bells still echoed. He was silent while recalling his doubts to investigate Aldric's death. According to Aldric's notebook there is one bishop who may be related to his death. Bishop Theodore, but he did not know how to find it, whether he was bishop of the church of knowledge or history.

He was still thinking of Aldric White's advice, not to investigate his death. He really does not mind if living quietly as if nothing happened. Only if they did not know who Aldric White was, and the reason for his suicide was only an internal matter without the interference of an external party. However if they were to be involved in Aldric White's suicide, then he would only be in their grasp like a puppet that could be broken off at any time. He did not want to get into the clutches of someone who could get rid of him at any time. He wanted to try to investigate to keep watch and determine a way out if he was shackled.

Doubts were still in his head, if he investigated perhaps he would bring the Aldric White family in danger. He doesn't matter, they're just strangers to him. But the unfamiliar feelings of meeting and talking to them make the doubts always follow. He realized that he was still alive thanks to Aldric White. He was also aware that he was a piece of trash, yet he would never not repay the debt he once had. If Aldric White dies then his debt will be paid to his family. This is the moral basis. If he passed through it he would only be inferior to trash.

Aldric saw many adherents in and out of the church. This is the western part of the city the church of knowledge. If they want to go to the historical church then they need to head east of the city. In this city there are two churches, namely the church of knowledge and history. Almost all regions of the central continent have 2 churches that stand in each region.

On the way to the pub at the pier he passed through the slums. Aldric saw things that were not too different from the conflict area. He saw street children begging or stealing to survive. He saw the women of the night hawking themselves in the dark corners. He saw beggars and bums on the side of the road. He saw the police who tried to order them. The only difference is the reason.

He felt a similarity and dejavu saw those things. This evoked his still unforgettable memory. He just looked at that scene. He didn't want to do something that got him in trouble.

After walking for about a few minutes, he found a newsstand and headed there. He crossed over and hit a girl. Before he could check on the boy. The boy is gone.

He silently watched the boy leave. His scarf fell when it hit the boy, and was taken by him. He just thinks it's nothing and tries to avoid trouble. Besides, the wound seems to have improved and has no obvious marks like last night. He just continued towards the newsstand.

He saw an old man sitting behind a wooden table, reading a large newspaper.

Aldric decided to buy a newspaper from the old man. He wanted to know what was happening in the world, what were the important or interesting news in the paper. He also wanted to know the world better.

Aldric approached the old man and greeted him.

“Good morning, sir. Can I buy a newspaper?” ask Aldric.

The old man turned his head and looked at Aldric with a bored and lazy look.

“Which newspaper do you want? There are a lot of newspapers here. There are The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Sun, and others. Which do you want?” asked the old man in a indifferent tone.

Aldric felt confused and awkward. He did not know which newspapers were good or bad, which were neutral or siding, which were informative or sensational. Because Aldric White in his memory did not like to read newspapers. He tried to buy anything, after all, any newspaper would still load the news.

“Err. How much?” aldric said with a doubtful tone.

The old man nodded. He looked indifferent and bored. Still giving it.

The old man pointed to a wooden board that read the prices of the newspaper.

“One REPL,” replied the old man briefly.

Aldric's mouth twitched slightly, he noticed that the price of the newspaper was between 0.5 - 2 REPLs. Doesn't the seller just want to trick him. How can the price of newspapers be comparable to the price of food around 2 REPLs, It is also the cheapest.

The seller frowned when he saw him silent. "That's the standard price because it was the newspaper that came out the day before. If you don't have money then go!"

"I'll buy The Guardian." Aldric said he chose the cheapest newspaper.

Aldric took out a silver coin that read 0.5 REPLs. REPL is the official currency of the Ronian Monarch Republic. Aldric only knows REPL and ZEPL. ZEPL is the currency of the Lumina Republic. They consist of units of 0.5, 1 for coins and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 for banknotes. In the central continent there are only 2 currencies in circulation. Almost all of the territory was controlled by the Ronian Monarch Republic and the Ronian Republic. Peacefully or colonizing. The Ronian Monarchical Republic and Lumina Republic were established a century and a half ago.

The Ronian Monarchy and the Lumina Republic. Previously, this region was part of the Ronian Empire that had ruled for centuries. The Ronian Empire was known for its strong colonization ambitions, and all of the central continental regions were once part of their colony ranks. However, as Ronian rule declined, these territories began to seek a path to their own independence. Lumina first emerged as the dominant power in the region and took control of the northern regions of the continent with popular support, forming the Lumina Republic that reflected the wishes and aspirations of the people. Over time, the Lumina Republic grew into a powerful force that captured the northern half of the central continent, bringing together the colonial legacy of the past and incorporating it in an inclusive and powerful political system.

While the southern region began to have riots and discontent of the people. And the upper echelons of the Ronian empire began to fidget. The nobles began to formulate plans to overthrow the Empire and build a new state. They did not want to suffer the same fate as their brothers in the northern region. The smart nobles began to gather and build plans and to stage a coup. This plan ended in success. They still made the imperial family the leader of the state, to curb the commoners in a symbol of unity. And they began to change into members of parliament or senates. Elected leader by the people. They still hold great power. But it keeps people quiet about change. Because the nobles must fulfill the welfare of the people for elections. They began to develop facilities for education, environment, social, and others for the common people. This is strongly supported by the church.

Aldric gave the silver coin to the old man and received a large newspaper that read The Guardian at the top. He thanked the old man who still had an indifferent expression on his face and walked away from the newsstand.

Aldric opened the paper and started reading the front page. He saw some news titles that caught his attention, such as:

In 1895

• Senate President William Charles Wentworth Celebrates the 18th Anniversary of his daughter's adulthood

• the Burning Art Museum building in Herford

• The Discovery of Flying Machines by Orville Nort and Wilbur Wright

• The Great Port of Hailberg

• a Leisure Assassination in Whiteford

• a big fire in Locwood

Aldric was intrigued by the news. He was looking for anything other than some headlines, where he found a lot of ads and job postings. According to newspaper traders, this news was released yesterday, maybe they use technology like telegram to deliver the news.

He folded the paper and put it in his pocket. He continued his journey to the pub where he worked. He hoped that today would be a good and pleasant day for him.

He arrived at the pub where he worked. The pub was called The Golden Lion, although many of it had outdated buildings. The pub was located on a narrow and noisy street, where people often passed by to work.

Aldric walked into the pub nervously. He was greeted by loud noises and unpleasant smells from inside the pub. He saw people who smoked cigarettes or had breakfast. It's still morning after all. Who is crazy enough to gamble or get drunk.

He's looking around for Mr. Arthur, the pub owner. Mr. Arthur is a tall and stocky little old man, with white hair and beard, blue eyes, and dull skin. He was wearing a shabby suit and a worn bowler hat. She was a friend of Sarah's aunt. He is a retired navy man, he has a firm yet straightforward attitude.

Aldric found Mr. Arthur behind the counter. Mr. Arthur is busy counting money and taking down notebooks. He is unaware of Aldric's arrival until Aldric approaches to greet him.

“Good morning, Mr. Arthur. I came to work today,” Aldric said calmly.

Sir Arthur turned his head and looked at Aldric with a friendly gaze. He seemed happy with her

“Good morning, Aldric. You came in time. I'm glad you're back after the holidays.” said Mr. Arthur in a satisfied tone.

Aldric smiled awkwardly and nodded. He felt a little embarrassed by Mr. Arthur. If he finds out that Aldric's trying to quit his job forever. Maybe he'll get in trouble with his aunt.

“Thank you, Mr. Arthur. I am happy to be working here again,” Aldric said in a polite tone.

lord Arthur extended his hand and patted Aldric on the shoulder.

“You are a good nephew, Aldric. I don't know what your aunt will do if you stop,” said Mr. Arthur with a bitter laugh.

Aldric felt more awkward.

“Alright, now let's get to work. Today will be a busy day. Many customers will come here for drinks or meals. You must be ready to serve them with passion,” said Mr. Arthur in a straightforward tone.

Aldric agreed and got ready for work. He picked up a tray from the cashier's desk and walked towards the bar. At the bar, he meets two other waiters who work at the pub, Frank and Tom.

Frank is an early-thirties man, with blond hair, blue eyes, and slightly dark skin. He was wearing a cotton shirt with matching black pants and a green flat cap.

Tom is a young man his older brother's age, with short black hair, brown eyes. He was wearing a linen shirt with a brown vest and black pants.

Aldric tried to greet them.

"Forward, Frank, Tom are you all right today." Aldric said in a friendly tone

"Forward, Aldric, I thought you weren't going in today". Frank said cynically.

"Don't make him leave again Frank, we were quite troubled yesterday." Tom said to her furiously.

"I didn't make it go away, damn it." Frank replied with a frowning expression. "Do you want to fight".

Aldric just silently watched them fight. Now she knew Alice's feelings while watching the matter. It may not be a bad feeling.

"Hey boys work, before I cut your pay!" Mr. Arthur's voice rang out behind the cashier's desk.

"Yes sir!" The three of them began to carry out their respective tasks.